Paper Plus Richmond and its post shop services is on the move, as a former employee prepares to take the helm and drive the business from a new location on Queen Street.
Jo Dunbar has been with the business for most of its 26 years in the Richmond Mall, since it started out as Books and More, then became Paper Plus with NZ Post and Kiwibank at the counter.
Kiwibank shifted its services to Nelson last year and now the Richmond store is evolving once more as it heads to 199 Queen St.
She admits it’s a big step taking over the business and shifting premises around the same time, but she’s relishing the challenge
“It’s a massive step. I started as a retail assistant and learnt the Kiwibank side before becoming assistant manager.
“Then the opportunity came up to buy a half share about four years ago and now we’re in the process of taking full ownership. It’s all go. I needed the challenge and I want my business to thrive.”
When 199 Queen St became vacant, Jo says it was an opportunity to ensure the business remained sustainable into the future. The store in the mall will close on 27 June and reopen on Queen St on 1 July, with all New Zealand Post products and services continuing, along with the books, cards and stationery of Paper Plus.
“We’ve got a very loyal customer base and really appreciate them, and they’ve all said they will continue to support us. I’ve got a good team of staff around me too – Jackie has been here as long as I have and I keep joking with Candice that it will be her business one day.”
In nearly a quarter of a century with the business, Jo says both sides of the business have changed dramatically, from reading books to posting letters.
When the store first took on the NZ Post services there were queues out the door as people lined up to post Christmas cards and parcels.
“We still do get queues, and though mail is definitely on the decline, sending parcels has picked up. We’re still busy and one of the busiest post shops in the country.
“It’s all about evolving and you have to adapt to changes.”
